AUTOJUMBLE OVERLOAD

 

 

10 years ago folk were telling me that eBay was killing the Autojumble, it may partly have been true but the real killer of Autojumbles in Yorkshire has been the Autojumble ! Within a 30 miles radius of here (Malton) there are 3 regular monthly fixtures plus Scorton a further 10 miles and Newark about 80 miles away. Its not hard to work out why they are all falling short.

  Rufforth Park near York has been going for nearly 25 years but an increase in pitch prices a couple of years ago started the rot, they are now advertising on local TV to get people back but i recon only a big reduction in pitch and entry fee prices will bring about a return, if at all. Murton (again near York) started their meetings about 4 years ago, second Saturday of the month, but despite cheap rents, free admission and a good cafe it has never taken off. The same can be said for Squires Cafe every 4th Saturday in the month.

  Scorton near Catterick Garrison on the 3rd Saturday is a great place, plenty of people on old bikes, plenty of stall space undercover and a couple of decent tea stalls but it seems to have become more of a meet and chat and i have never seen it anything like full.

  Newark is always enjoyable, still busy on a good day and still a good number of private sellers along with a big hall full of trade parts. The classic car and bike show always draws people even during the winter months. If you havent been its only a mile from the A1, couldnt be easier to find. Its now run by Mortons Media so its future is probably secure for a few years yet. All the info and dates Here

  The point of all this is that next Saturday (9th Nov) is the first Wetherby Autojumble. There are a few doubters but it could just work. The guy organising has promoted it well, again its beside the A1 so it has easy access, good facilites at the racecourse, incorporates a classic meet or two and (for now at least) its cheap. Over a month ago there were more than 50 stalls pre-booked. There is a good website with all the info. If it works it will probably be the end for a couple of the others but at least that will mean i can stay in bed more often on a Saturday morning.

  I would point out that i have nothing to do with any of these events or the people who run them, i just enjoy going.

USEFUL WORDS

 

Found these little charts in an old issue of Iron Horse recently and thought they were worth sharing. There is a lot of bullshit (or widespread confusion as they call it) talked about how to measure how much "over" a front end is, this should clear it up.

 

I have just been sorting out a few old Amal Monobloc carbs to sell off and found this website that gives all the carb numbers and original applications. Never realised that Monoblocs had a date code on them before. Living and learning....



SHOVEL FOR SALE

 

 

 My friend Steve is selling his Shovel (featured in the current issue of GKM Magazine). He already has a good offer from a non-believer but would like his bike to go to someone who will appreciate and ride it. Its a 1200 kick and electric start and has been totally reliable all year including the trip from North Yorks to Cornwall for The Linkert Attacks. Stevie's owned it for 5 years now and anyone who rides old stuff will appreciate how much effort goes into getting a bike to this level.

  The sale will fund his ongoing research into the history of Sorcery at the University of California next year. If you dont already, check out "thewizardslair" on Instagram.

 

Mail Stevie direct if you have a genuine interest at steviezombie@aol.com

Photos (of bike) courtesy of Guy at Greasy Kulture Magazine.

DARKNESS ON THE EDGE OF TOWN

 

 

Whitby next weekend, Gothing Thursday to Sunday, Roding on Saturday. Paul tells me bikes are welcome at the Custom show, i'll be there if you fancy a meet up, dress suitably though !

PROGRESS REPORT

 

Managed a couple of miles on the Thunderbird yesterday, first time its turned a wheel under its own steam for over 20 years. After a life of hardtails and cafe racers its like riding on a cloud. There are a few little jobs to do before a proper test ride but nothing major. Standard is the new custom, for now anyway...

The wiring is now sorted on the GSXR as is the oil cooler (since these pics), not that much left to do before it lives. You will probably hear it when it happens, wherever you are.

MORE OLD MAGS FOR SALE

25 issues of Motorcyclist Illustrated "the sporting monthly" bike sport from '69-'71. £20. 10 issues of Fire Up. '91-'93. £10. 2 issues of Vintage Fuel. £5. 5 issues of national Drag Racer '71-'73. Very rare. £30. All plus post anywhere. tri650@live.co.uk

NEWCASTLE 1971

 

Jock put me onto this earlier in the year, then i forgot about it and lost the link. Thankfully he didn't.

HEY SLACKER ARE YOU NOT BOTHERED WITH THIS BLOG ANY MORE ?

....everyone asks...actually no one has but everyones thinking. Been a bit lazy but the thing is nowt much has happened and i've been busy (and Instagram has a lot to answer for !). Here are some workshop shots, been a year or so since we had any. I have had this place for over 27 years now and always look forward to going to work.

VINTAGE LEATHERS

'70s Lewis Leathers/Rivets style black leather, no name but nice worn look. Has had a new main zip. Size 40". £65 (if it had a name it would be four times the price). Hondastyle leather. 36" though will fit larger if you're not the fleshy type. £45. Post Worldwide on either.

NEW STICKS

Top man Tony just did me some new stickers, hit the Stickers pic to the right and youl'll get one of these thrown in !

ENGINEERING TRIUMPH

 

Right side engine runs conventionally, left presumably runs backwards with a reverse head. Drive is direct. Try explaining this to some drunk twat in a Jesters hat at a bike rally.
  It was suposedly built by a guy who used to work for Sonny Routt so there was a chance it worked.

A TUESDAY TRITON

 

Phils Triton.

"It belonged to Pat McGrath, a good friend and neighbour of mine who died 20 months ago. He was in his early 50's when he passed away and I got a chance to buy it recently.
 Wideline frame, 6T motor and alot of character. Hasn't even been turned over since his death  - I got it running and after a bit of fettling took to the road. Its been a while since I've had anything that old on the road and it felt pretty good".

Nice story Phil and good to see it being used.

SITTING COMFORTABLY ?

 

 

Did a bit of fiddling with seats yesterday, seat one, seat two or neither ?

SMILIN' JACK

 

 "Smiling" Jack Barnes with his '47 83" Knucklehead Hillclimber. Photo from early 1980s (Iron Horse Magazine).